Key Takeaways
- The advertised license price is real but partial — office, visas and approvals are priced separately.
- Realistic year-one all-in ranges: northern free zones AED 12–20k, Dubai free zones AED 15–30k, Dubai mainland AED 25–40k+.
- Always get the year-two renewal figure in writing before you sign.
Search “Dubai license cost” and you’ll find prices that look wonderful until you reach checkout. The advertised number is real — it’s just not the whole number. Here’s how to read a setup quote like someone who’s processed hundreds of them.
The parts of every setup cost
License fee: the annual government charge for your activity — the number ads quote. Registration/one-time fees: initial approval, name reservation, incorporation documents. Office component: from flexi-desk to physical office — required, and priced separately almost everywhere. Visa costs: establishment card, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping — per person. The quiet extras: external approvals for regulated activities, document typing, attestations, and courier fees.
Ballpark figures that won’t mislead you
Northern emirates free zones (Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ): entry packages with one visa commonly land in the AED 12,000–20,000 range all-in for year one. Dubai free zones: typically AED 15,000–30,000 depending on zone and visa count. Dubai mainland: AED 25,000–40,000+ once office and approvals are included. Anyone quoting far below these ranges is leaving components out — ask which ones.
Five questions that expose an incomplete quote
1. Does this include the establishment card and immigration file? 2. What exactly happens at visa stage, and per-person cost? 3. Is the office component included, and what type? 4. What renewal amount will I pay in year two — in writing? 5. Are there activity-specific approvals for my business?
Renewal is where cheap becomes expensive
Some providers discount year one aggressively and recover it at renewal, when switching feels painful. A transparent provider quotes both numbers on day one — insist on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to start a business in the UAE?
Entry-level packages in northern-emirates free zones such as Sharjah, Ajman and UAQ, typically starting around AED 12,000–15,000 all-in with one visa.
Why do setup quotes differ so much between providers?
Because they include different components. One quote may cover only the license fee while another includes the establishment card, visa costs and office — compare line by line.
Can I pay for my trade license in installments?
Several free zones and providers offer installment plans, especially on promotions. Confirm whether the plan affects visa issuance timing before committing.
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